The wonderful floral smells of the islands are captured and bottled at Perfumes of Rarotonga. Visit them at their new "factory" near the airport or their shop at Cooks Corner in town (Avarua). Everything is hand made.
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The Islands produce some of the most unusual and collectable coins, banknotes and stamps in the world. The Philatelic Bureau in Avarua in Rarotonga is the place to go for a wide choice of both. A $3 note is a popular souvenir costing...NZ$3
Don't be shocked or offended...this is an image you'll see all over the Cook Islands. Tangaroa was one of the children of the Sky Father, Ranginui, and Mother Earth, Papatuanuku. Carvings are just a few of the many souvenirs featuring his image
The PAREU is a screen printed or tie-dyed piece of fabric with which Islanders seem to be able to work miracles! Just by tying them in different ways, they can be turned into strapless or halter neck dresses, shorts and even a beach jacket.
I've tried....it's not easy, but it's still a great souvenir which can be relatively inexpensive Photo: Ewan Smith
The pate (par-tay) is something you're likely to see if you go to an island night of music and dance. It's an instrument carved from wood and beaten in a similar way to a drum. You can get plenty of tacky versions (more than likely made in the Far East or China) in local shops. But if you have a look round the weekly cultural market, you can find the real thing to annoy your friends and relatives with when you get home!!!
If your budget doesn't stretch to black pearls, Tokeraua Jim has beautiful items which he carves from black pearls and their shells. His family come from Manihiki which is the heart of pearl farming and he carves beautiful works of art like this one. He's now based in New Zealand but you can still find some of his work in shops and at the market in Rarotonga. His Facebook page has more